Commission adopts RS‑2 building‑coverage change to allow larger homes where utilities, master stormwater and private streets exist

St. Lucie County commissioners on April 7 adopted a text amendment to the county’s Land Development Code (Table 7‑10, Chapter 7) that increases permissible building coverage in the RS‑2 zoning district to 30% where specific criteria are met.

Corey Benton, planning and zoning manager, said the amendment is narrowly targeted: it provides additional building coverage for single‑family homes in RS‑2 only when central utilities (water, wastewater, electricity), a master stormwater system, and access via a privately maintained paved street are in place. Benton said the change does not alter density limits for the district (maximum density remains 2 dwelling units per acre) and that the Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval.

Commissioner Claspy framed the change for viewers as a limited adjustment: ‘‘This change is going to be changing our RS‑2 district max lot coverage to 30 with a note … with private streets, central utilities, including water, wastewater, electric, and have a master stormwater system. That’s the only change,’’ he said. He moved for approval; the motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: the amendment provides flexibility for development in pockets of RS‑2 that already have centralized infrastructure, allowing slightly larger homes without increasing the allowed density. County staff said the provision is intended to enable projects where off‑site infrastructure reduces on‑lot stormwater and septic needs.

Implementation: the amendment includes eligibility criteria and a 30% coverage cap; staff noted a 10% additional allowance applies in certain circumstances where septic is not required, per the discussion. The change will take effect per the county’s standard adoption procedures and will be applied to qualifying RS‑2 areas identified by staff.